O'Fallon Native Carrie Kesler Participates in Doris Humphrey Intensive

Related Media

Kesler

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (09/20/2012)(readMedia)-- Southeast Missouri State University dance student Carrie Kesler of O'Fallon, Mo., recently returned from A Doris Humphrey Summer Intensive, which focuses on the particular style of Doris Humphrey. There, Kesler learned historic dances, including "Christmas Oratorio" and "Variations," and was taught by the masters of Humphrey technique, Gail Corbin and Deborah Carr.

"The Doris Humphrey intensive was a great experience. I met a lot of new friends who inspired me and taught me great things," she says.

Kesler previously worked with Atrek Dance Collective, where she focused on ballet and modern dance, and did intensives throughout high school with Steppin' UP Dance Production.

"You learn so much from these intensives, because different teachers have different ways of teaching. Also, the people you meet can teach you new things," she says. "It is a great experience to be with new teachers and new people every once in a while. There is always so much to learn. This helps me be a well-rounded dancer and keep gaining experience."

At Southeast, Kesler has taught in the Southeast Theatre and Dance Academy, an intensive theatre and dance educational experience for students in kindergarten through high school, every year since it began.

"It is a great experience. I get to work with the dance professors and teach kids how to dance and also spur their interest," she says.

Also on campus, Kelser is involved with the National Honor Society for Dance Arts, which allows students in the Department of Theatre and Dance and anyone else who is interested in dance to be a part of the organization and graduate with honors.

"Dancing means everything to me, and to be pursuing a major and a career in this field motivates me every day. You can always learn something new and meet some of the coolest people," she says.

Kesler says her favorite moments at Southeast have been at her dance concerts.

"It's so cool to see all the hard work and show it to an audience. They are a great way to end the semester," she says.

Kesler credits her time at Southeast with contributing to her success.

"In the Department of Theatre and Dance, I have really learned to be professional and respectful in class and auditions and also to dance from the heart and not only focus on technique. I have learned so much from my professors and guest artists and strive to continue to learn more," she says. "I have tried to embrace every moment of college, because once you get to your senior year, you notice how fast it has gone."

Although she spends most of her time in school busy in rehearsals, doing homework and in class, she still finds time to spend with friends; together they go out and relax, watching movies. Kesler says she also loves to volunteer and wishes she had more time to do so. However, she says her favorite thing to do, other than dance, of course, is going horseback riding. She has taken lessons and says she most enjoys riding on trails.

"You get to see great scenery," she explains.

Kesler says she also enjoys traveling when she has the time and especially wants to visit Australia. Her favorite trip so far was to Hawaii.

"It is so beautiful," she says. "I got to go horseback riding there and see the rain forest-like island of Maui."

After she graduates, Kesler plans to audition to dance on cruise ships or at Walt Disney World Resort. She says she wants to dance professionally for a while before becoming a dance teacher.

She encourages future Southeast students, "Never give up! School will get hard, but work to your fullest and always strive to do your best."